SLIDELL – The annual “White Linen and Lagniappe” night in Olde Towne each summer is already one of the most popular public art events in the city each year. But something special has been added for the big event this Saturday night, August 12, to add even more excitement to the evening.
The cultural season kicks off with the seventh annual “White Linen and Lagniappe” on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to browse artwork while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, eating hot food, and enjoying cold drinks all throughout Olde Towne Slidell.
Along with dozens of businesses hosting artists displaying their work, there will be musicians playing on the Olde Towne streets, and a very special event will kick off the evening at 6 p.m. on First Street, from Fremaux Avenue to Erlanger Street.
Antique Umbrella Alley has been brought to Slidell and will officially debut its more than 80 brightly colored umbrellas, suspended 20-feet in the air on that street, stretching 230 feet from Fremaux to Erlanger.
From the time the umbrellas began being erected two weeks ago they have drawn lots of attention, even though they won’t open until Saturday night’s debut. People driving near the area have been seen to notice the umbrellas, pull their car around the corner and stop to get a closer look.
Umbrella Alley has become an international phenomenon since starting in Louisville, KY, in 2020 and has spread to all corners of the globe. Slidell Councilman Bill Borchert heard from his daughter Sophie about one she saw in Columbia, South America, and Borchert immediately decided that Slidell had to have one.
Enter the Slidell Historical Antique Association that took on the public art project and has paid $45,000 to bring it to the antique store district of Olde Towne. There will be a big second-line celebration at 6 p.m. on Saturday night to open the umbrellas and kick off White Linen Night. The Umbrella Alley in Slidell will be the first of its kind in the state of Louisiana.
“The City of Slidell is proud to present an exciting cultural season that reflects the unique spirit and creativity of our community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite everyone to join us in Olde Towne for White Linen and Lagniappe to celebrate the new umbrella alley and all the arts, music, and culture of our beautiful city.”
As a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Slidell is committed to nurturing and promoting the arts in all its forms. From art exhibitions and live performances to art festivals and community events, the upcoming cultural season will showcase local talent, attract regional artists, and engage residents and visitors alike in a dynamic array of cultural experiences.
Other highlights of the season include art exhibits in the George Dunbar Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, the 20th anniversary of the Bayou Jam Concert Series with concerts held each fall and spring, Arts Evening Cultural Festival, Slidell Movie Nights, Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra, plus numerous holiday events including Christmas Under the Stars, the Olde Towne Community Golf Cart Parade, and the Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra.
Cultural Season Sponsorships are now available, and any businesses or individuals that are interested in sponsoring should contact Alex Carollo at 985-646-4375 or acarollo@cityofslidell.org